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Broken-hearted Trooper leaves a legacy for UCHS animals By JUDITH-ANNE KOLU Upper Credit Humane Society volunteer The phone rang...sadness swept in... a void was left... Trooper had passed away. He was never the same after his companion yellow lab Deena died, exactly two months to the day before Trooper gave up his gentle soul. Trooper was the lab cross who touched the hearts of so many as he battled his way back from the devastating starvation weight of 35 lbs. Rescued one early TROOPER morning in March 2007, he was rushed to the vets, not even able to stand. Prognosis grim, but then a miracle. Trooper was valiant and stoic in his tentative grasp for life; he held on and tenaciously fought back death. Trooper's rescuer fell under his spell and fostered him until he weighed 65 lbs and he was ready for adoption. We were all ecstatic. Trooper, this thrown-away boy, became a respected, loved member of his new family who were perfectly suited to his needs and adding to his joy was an immediate connection to his lady lab, Deena, with whom he bonded strongly and loved dearly. Immediately life began again for this dog who had been through so much and proved endlessly that he was was a one-of-a-kind, well-mannered, loving, undemanding gentleman. He was patient and kind to the overtures of small grandchildren, adored his new home, chased squirrels, loved to stretch out in the sunroom with his family and of course, enjoyed the constant companionship of "his" Deena. Trooper's magic extended, not only to his new family, but to all who met him. He was adored at the vets, admired and loved when he represented Upper Credit Humane Society (UCHS) as Ambassador at the Thrift Store or a fundraiser and was always a figurehead of survival and strength of spirit wherever he went. Trooper was so named because of his determination to live and it was appropriate that once we knew his health had returned Trooper's Fund was founded in 2007. This fund supported generously by the public has enabled us to help animals that would otherwise have lived in pain. Recently this year it was Trooper's Fund that allowed us to get the brave little kitten Marvin eyelid surgery after having been born without them. Thank you once again Trooper. Trooper is indelibly etched into the very core of UCHS. For those who were there at the time of his rescue we will never forget him, to the vet that saved him, to his foster mum and rescuer who loved him and helped him on his journey back to health, and especially to his adoptive family, Trooper would be barking his heartfelt thanks. Trooper had five years of wonderful living with his family, he cherished every day having survived that neardeath experience and the long battle back to health. It certainly was my privilege to be able to write his story. R.I.P. dear Trooper we will love and remember you always...thank you for all you have taught us! Trooper will live on through his Fund and his indelible mark on lives he touched. Anyone wishing to donate to the Trooper Fund can do so in Trooper's name at: the Thrift Shop on Moore Park Plaza, Georgetown or the Shelter in Erin during business hours by cheque, credit card, debit or cash, or additionally by mail to Upper Credit Humane Society, 5383 Trafalgar Rd., Erin, Ontario N0B 1TO marked "Troopers Fund". 19 ·The IFP· Halton Hills, Thursday, May 31, 2012